|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
The Sheaf I made this song for a Christmas song contest on a local forum. Although I made it in a big hurry to meet the deadline, it still received couple of "best" votes. Now I have had more time and the English version is more "finished". The song is about importance of feeding birds in winter. I just noticed that today is National Bird Day in US, so what could be a better day to release it  Quite simple arrangement, I really like that songwriter guitar - it really creates a beautiful mood for the song. RealDrums: ShakerAndTambourine RealTracks: #908 Bass Electric SmoothBallad Ev16 065 #1542 Piano Acoustic Rhythm PopBelieve Ev16 #3068 Guitar Acoustic Fingerpicking Songwriter #3700 Guitar Acoustic Soloist SlackKeyBallad Ev 085 #3064 Vocal Oohs Rhythm Pop3-PartEv 085 #1543 Synth Pad PopBelieve EV16 065 MIDI Melody: VST Voices of Gaia Vocals by me Mixed in Cakewalk by BandLab Lyrics: Harsh winter froze the fruitful ground even the smallest snacks are gone, seeds to peck can't be found most birds flew south, you chose to stay with grain and nuts I fill your tray. Yellowhammer, you have found a moment of relief you enjoy the small oat grain under shelter of the sheaf you start to preen your feathers ruffled in the snowy drift you accept with gratitude the gracious gift. This cold sweep of the Arctic breath engulfs the young and weak and whirls by the frost peaks of death seek salvage from my sheaf and bite then struggle through the coming night. Yellowhammer... --------------- Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,039
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 1,039 |
An interesting song. It's good to be reminded how hard it can be for wildlife to survive in those extreme latitudes.
I agree with your comment about the guitar - it sets the tone beautifully.
ProTools; Ableton Live Lite; Reaper
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 MK4 interface
Novation Launchkey 61 Mk4 midi controller
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,647 |
Janne
Very pretty song. Really nice chord progressions and the backing is lovely.
Interesting use of the female vocal track and nice segue into the guitar solo.
Well done.
Peter
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 5,626 |
Interesting intro Janne! The song definitely has a holiday feel to it! It sounds really good when that double tracked lead vocal kicks in! Cool melody in the chorus! Thanks, Torrey
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,030
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 3,030 |
I'm a big bird fan. Actually I'm a fan of all animals, so I don't eat them. I really appreciate your song and its insight into the struggles of a small bird. The lyrics were excellent. Really nice work here, congratulations on winning 'best of' votes in your contest.
Windows 11, Intel Core I5 10400, 16 gig ram, Scarlett 2i2, Sony Acid Music Studio 10, BIAB 2020 UltraPlus Pak
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,132 |
PeterF took my words! Pretty song, nice harmonies.
Good write, too.
-- David Cuny My virtual singer development blogVocal control, you say. Never heard of it. Is that some kind of ProTools thing?BiaB 2025 | Windows 11 | Reaper | Way too many VSTis.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 7,192 |
The double vocal section is REALLY nice.
Important narrative though I think "gracious" isn't quite word needed.
Lovely backing.
Cheers
rayc
"What's so funny about peace, love & understanding?" - N.Lowe
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 4,893 |
Oh, yes, totally agree with you on that songwriter guitar, Janne. This song, too, is very inspirational. A great Christmas idea --and posted on National Bird Day in US. Man, that synth voice comes in nicely as the Theremin on the Star Trek Theme. Yes, a beautiful song indeed.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
An interesting song. It's good to be reminded how hard it can be for wildlife to survive in those extreme latitudes.
I agree with your comment about the guitar - it sets the tone beautifully. Thanks Ghostgum for your kind comment It is sad that we have to help wildlife, we have destroyed their living conditions that is more than fair to pay something back. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
Very pretty song. Really nice chord progressions and the backing is lovely.
Interesting use of the female vocal track and nice segue into the guitar solo.
Well done.
Peter Thanks Peter, I appreciate your kind words Glad you liked the chord progression. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 7,055 |
Janne,
Interesting tune and theme. Neat instrumental bed, slightly unusual, but works well. Good lyrics and of course signature phrasing. Cool female vocal parts. Thank you for sharing.
Misha.
P.S. when I was in school, it was a graded requirement, to build bird houses. First grades made them out of milk cartons, higher grades out of wood. Where I live now, you can't put one up in summer, because mr.bear will come, but my wife usually buys a bag of seeds for the winter.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,657
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,657 |
Hi Janne,
This is a really nice touching song about that bird.
Very nice nylon guitar(s) during the song, but especially in the intro.
The high voice did very well in it, although a bit unexpected. The rustling of the birds feathers was cool and (a bit) expected.
I read Misha's post on the birdhouses and mr. Bear. Here I have 3 birdhouses, but also 3 cats. Maybe more dangerous than a bear?
But back to the song: as I said Touching!
Hans
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
Interesting intro Janne! The song definitely has a holiday feel to it! It sounds really good when that double tracked lead vocal kicks in! Cool melody in the chorus! Thanks, Torrey Thanks Torrey for your positive feedback Original lyrics had a Christmas reference, but I tried to write this version so that it can be played also outside holiday season. Yet, the message is about sharing, so in this sense (and also winter, in the north) giving gifts is present. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,964
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 15,964 |
What a lovely, laid back song and very nice melody and like you, we really like those guitars. I (Janice) was watching some chickadees and nuthatches at our birdfeeder the first time I listened to this. Congratulations on the "best of" votes. As fellow bird lovers we appreciate the sentiment in the lyric. The mix sounds great on our KRK monitors. Again, we both enjoyed this! J&B
Our albums and singles are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube Music, Pandora and more. If interested search on Janice Merritt. Thanks! Our Videos
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,943
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,943 |
Love the guitars! Great choice there, sets the mood right from the intro.
Nice melody too.
Good song, Janne, well done.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 8,443 |
Sounds great, Janne!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
I'm a big bird fan. Actually I'm a fan of all animals, so I don't eat them. I really appreciate your song and its insight into the struggles of a small bird. The lyrics were excellent. Really nice work here, congratulations on winning 'best of' votes in your contest.
Thanks TuneMonger, I'm very glad to hear that you are fan of birds and animals. They teach us many things about life, earth and everything And thanks for the very heartwarming comment, especially about lyrics. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
PeterF took my words! Pretty song, nice harmonies.
Good write, too. Thanks David for your positive feedback I wouldn't call voice doubling harmony, but I wish I had time to write real harmonies and counter-melodies and learn to be a master like you in this area  Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Mar 2013
Posts: 4,497 |
Hi, Janne !
This is just wonderful, sure
one of your absolute best !!
It is so Janne it just can be,
which to me is often mystic
and original chord progressions
that lead one into unexpected
places - I like that, Janne !
Hyvää Uutta Vuotta myös minulta !
Cheers
Dani
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
User Showcase
|
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 4,508 |
The double vocal section is REALLY nice.
Important narrative though I think "gracious" isn't quite word needed.
Lovely backing. Thanks Ray for your kind comment Glad you liked the double vocals, I didn't edit them to be as tight as usually. You are probably right with "gracious", even in the original Finnish version the used word wasn't exactly the best one, but I couldn't come up with a better match to my idea. Janne
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,748
Posts795,706
Members39,948
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean